A seafront party of up to 20,000 people will welcome the Olympic torch to Sussex.

Brighton and Hove has been confirmed as one of only 70 locations in the country where the fabled flame will visit before the 2012 games in London.

Between 10,000 and 20,000 people are expected for the evening celebration to mark its arrival just ten days before the Olympics’ opening ceremony.

Bosses in Brighton and Hove have pledged it will boost business while showcasing the city’s culture and heritage.

It came as people were also given the chance to carry the Olympic flame across the country to its temporary home in east London.

The celebration locations were confirmed by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today.

The flame will arrive in the UK on May 18, 2012 with the relay beginning at Land’s End, Cornwall.

It is expected to travel about 8,000 miles before arriving at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.

The Brighton and Hove event will be on July 16 and feature two hours of entertainment which will culminate in a cauldron being lit from the Olympic Flame.

The venue is likely to be Madeira Drive though other details are not yet confirmed.

The torch will then travel to Hastings on July 17.

Lord Coe, chairman of LOCOG, said he was “thrilled” Brighton and Hove had agreed to be a host of the flame.

LOCOG has also launched a campaign to find the 8,000 most inspirational people to carry the flame on its way.

To apply or nominate someone you know visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay